BBC iPlayer Highlights Roller Derby with New Doc

LONDON: The new documentary Roller Derby: Skate Fast, Hit Hard is launching today on BBC iPlayer.

The 20-minute documentary examines the full-contact, female team sport, which is played on quad roller skates. Roller Derby: Skate Fast, Hit Hard follows two skaters, Kiki Kapow and Barbarsim, as their teams, Rainy City Roller Girls and the North Cheshire Victory Rollers, prepare to play each other for the first time at Europe’s only dedicated skate venue, the Thunderdome in Oldham. The program examines the sport and the training necessary to play. It also delves into the diverse group of people who take part in roller derby.

Director Helen Richmond remarked: “I feel really passionate about equality, empowerment and people having their voices heard, and I found this within the roller derby community. It’s a unique sport for many reasons but especially for being female-driven and dominated. It continues to mature and grow as a sport and I wanted everyone to see how amazing the people are who play it.”

Sharon Fuller, project lead for BBC Sport's Get Inspired, added: “Get Inspired is always looking for fun and different ways for people to get active and that is why we love roller derby. It is an inclusive community that welcomes all shapes, all abilities and ages.”

The U.K.’s first roller derby league launched in London in 2006.